The government approved a decree on Friday allowing one of two Italian-run facilities in Albania to function as a repatriation centre (CPR) for irregular migrants. This includes foreigners in Italy who have received an expulsion or detention order.
The decision follows delays in implementing a protocol between Rome and Tirana for the fast-track processing of asylum seekers. Italy opened two facilities in Albania last October, but legal challenges in Italian courts have stalled their operation.
The centres in Gjader, which already has a CPR, and Shengjin remain empty. Italian courts have yet to validate the detention of the first three groups of migrants transferred there in October, November, and January.
Also read: Albanian migrant centres will not be emptied of staff
Last month, the European Court of Justice began examining the Italy-Albania protocol. Judges in Luxembourg are reviewing referrals from Italian courts, which have not yet recognised the legality of detaining migrants rescued by the Italian Navy and transferred across the Adriatic. The Italian government classifies their countries of origin, including Egypt and Bangladesh, as safe.
The EU Court is handling the case on an accelerated basis due to its significance, with a ruling expected before summer.
Under the decree approved on Friday, the Gjader facility will have 144 places and will house irregular migrants directly transferred from Italy, integrating into the national CPR network. However, its original role in accelerated border procedures will remain in place pending the EU court’s decision.
